Illuminated Ice and Water Dispenser Cover for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling device water dispensers suffer from uneven light distribution and shadow formation due to the placement of illumination members, which affects aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A polycarbonate cover with integrated LED illumination, aligned with the inner and outer surfaces of the dispenser housing, prevents shadow formation by ensuring equal light distribution across the housing, using a light distribution surface with intersecting linear depths and secure tab mounting for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the illumination member is positioned on the upper region of the housing part to illuminate downwardly, then the illumination structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but shadow regions are formed in the housing and light distribution is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the illumination member and the housing part. The light guide member receives light from the illumination member and distributes it uniformly across the housing part, preventing shadow formation while maintaining the simplicity of the illumination structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide member changes the spatial distribution parameters of light by using its specific geometric structure (such as inclined surfaces or diffusing structures) to redirect and spread light uniformly across the housing part, transforming concentrated light into distributed illumination.
2Ease of operation
If the illumination member is positioned in the upper left or right sections of the housing part, then the tap positioning is accommodated, but apparent shadows are formed and aesthetic appearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide member acts as a mediator that decouples the positioning of the illumination member from the uniformity of light distribution. It allows the illumination member to be positioned in corners to accommodate tap placement while still achieving uniform illumination that maintains aesthetic appearance.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple illumination members are positioned to cover different regions, then uniform illumination can be achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is extracted from multiple separate illumination members and consolidated into a single illumination member combined with a light guide member. This extraction simplifies the system by replacing multiple light sources with one light source plus a light distribution component.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide member serves multiple functions: it receives light from the illumination member, distributes light uniformly across the housing part, and eliminates the need for multiple illumination members. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides uniform illumination without shadows, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the dispenser by ensuring consistent light coverage across the dispenser housing.
Implementation Method 1
The illumination member is generally positioned on the upper region of the housing part and it is provided to apply light downwardly
Implementation Method 2
a light distribution surface with intersecting linear depths
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention is a cooling device having a heat insulated inner liner; a door hinged to the inner liner in a closable manner; a dispenser (1) having a housing part (10) with an illumination member (11) and integrated to the door. It comprises a semi-transparent cover (12) between the housing (10) and the illumination member (11) having a position configured such that illuminating element (11) illuminates whole inner area of the housing (10) equally.